Minor, 62, built a national reputation and amassed a fortune by suing tobacco, asbestos and other companies. He was convicted in March 2007 of bribing two judges and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Minor has also claimed that as a prominent Democrat, he was the subject of a politically motivated prosecution by Republicans in the Justice Department.

Judge Priscilla Owen, who was nominated by President Bush, recused herself from the case after Eastland wrote the court about her past working relationship and friendship with presidential adviser Karl Rove. Sitting in for Owen was Judge Fortunato P. Benavides, who was nominated by former President Clinton.